Meatless High Protein Foods

High protein foods are often thought to be almost strictly meat foods. It is true that meat tends to be high in protein. However, there are plentiful meatless foods that are high in protein, including dairy and plant-based foods. According to the American Dietetic Association, about 2.5 percent of the adult population in the United States eats a meat-free diet. A meatless diet can be quite filling because of the amount of protein and fiber in the foods.

Black Beans

• Black beans are a versatile legume. They are a staple food in several ethnic cuisines, including Cuban food. One cup of cooked black beans contains 132 calories with 35.44 of those calories coming from protein. Thus, protein makes up 26.8 percent of black beans. Black beans can be added to salads or take the place of meat in tacos and burritos.

Hummus

• Hummus is another meatless, high-protein food. It is a spread that is made up of cooked chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil and salt. There are variations of hummus that have additional ingredients. It is originally a food from the Middle East. Hummus is made up of 20 percent protein.

Peanut Butter

• Peanut butter is a staple food of the American diet. It's generally made up of peanuts and salt. Some brands of peanut butter also contain vegetable oil. More natural brands only contain the basic ingredients. It's commonly used on sandwiches, as a baking ingredient, and as a dip for fruit. Peanut butter is made up of approximately 17 percent protein.

Soy

• Soy has been a fixture of eastern Asian diets for centuries. Common foods that contain soy include soybeans, soy flour, tempeh, tofu and bean curd. It's a high-protein meatless food and also a great source of fiber. Protein makes up approximately 40 percent of soy. It is also a component in many meat replacement types of foods, including soy patties and soy yogurt.